
Stories are characterised by:
● the use of past tenses (it was raining when! set out. I put on my raincoat, opened the door and went
outside. When I reached the bus stop, I realised I hadn’t locked the front door.)
● linking words/phrases that show time and sequence of events
○ First
○ at first
○ Then
○ Next
○ After
○ before that
○ During
○ While
○ Meanwhile
○ as soon as
○ at that moment
○ by the time
○ in the end
○ finally
○ etc
● descriptive adjectives/adverbs to make the story more interesting (elegant, pleasant, breathtaking, fast,
etc).
● direct speech to make the story more dramatic (“Please help me!” she begged.)
Star ting a story/Setting the scene
● … felt (tired) as she had been (working on her computer all morning).
● It was (snowing heavily) when … (woke up that day).
Leading up to the main event
● At first, we didn't notice …
● The (party) had only just (started) when ...
● The next thing (Ann) knew, (she was …).
The main event/climax of the story
● They started (shouting desperately).
● I felt sure (the car) was going to (crash).
Describing people/places/feelings
● The young man near the door …
● We walked down … Street trying to .
● To their (surprise/disgust/horror etc) … ,
● Imagine our (disappointment) when …
Ending a story
● I've never felt so (relieved/scared/ embarrassed etc) in my whole life.
● We knew they would never … again.
● It was the most (embarrassing/exciting/ amazing) moment I've ever experienced.
Activity: